Pick-up apparatus



Nov. 10, 1964 M. G. SCHUTTE 3,156,368

PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed July 19, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 My/e; G. Jc/n/ffe INVENTOR.

ATTOR/VEVJ M. G. SCHUTTE PICK-UP APPARATUS Nov. 10, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 19, 1961 e f u M PU 6 J w INVENTOR.

ATTOF/VEVJ ber.

United States Patent 3,156,368 PICK-UP APPARATUS Myles G. Schutte, 4655 Telephone Road, Houston, Tex. Filed July 19, 1961, Ser. No. 125,177 Claims. (Cl. 214-147) This invention relates to an apparatus for picking up logs, railroad ties and similar members from the ground or other location.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for picking up logs, railroad ties and other similar members wherein such apparatus is relatively simple in construction and operation.

An important object of this invention is to provide a new and improved attachment for a conventional power operated scoop or shovel which makes it possible to pick up, carry and unload a log, railroad tie or similar mem- Another object of this invention is to provide a novel arm construction which is preferably employed in pairs with a power scoop for gripping an elongate object such as a log to pick up such elongate object.

A further object is to provide in combination with a back-up member, a gripping arm which is adapted to ride up and over an object for confining such object between the back-up member and the arm whereby the object may be lifted upwardly.

. A particular object of this invention is to provide a pick-up apparatus which has a pivotally mounted scoop and one or more pivotally mounted gripping arms therewith, wherein an object is adapted to be clamped between the scoop and the gripping arm or arms for lifting the object, and wherein the object is adapted to be released from the scoop and gripping arm or arms by a pivotal movement of the scoop relative to the arm or arms.

The preferred embodiment of this invention will be described hereinafter, together with other features thereof,

and additional objects will become evident from such description.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of the apparatus of this invention in the raised or traveling position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the apparatus in the positions for picking up a log or similar elongate object;

FIG. 3 is a view taken on line 3 -3 of FIG. 2 to further illustrate the position of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating the apparatus in the position after the log or other elongate object has been picked up or raised for moving same;

FIG. 5 is a view of the apparatus of this invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 4, in the position for dumping or releasing the log or other object from the apparatus; and,

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one of the gripping assemblies of this invention.

In the drawings, the letter A designates generally the apparatus of this invention which is preferably mounted on a vehicle V such as a tractor, the front end of which is illustrated in the drawings. The apparatus A briefly includes a frame F, a scoop or back-up member S, and at least one gripping assembly G. As will be more fully explained, the gripping assembly or assemblies G are adapted to be used in conjunction with the scoop or backup member S for picking up, lifting, moving and releasing anobject such as a log, railroad tie or the like which is designated with the letter T in the drawings.

3,156,368 Patented Nov. 10, 1964 Considering the invention more in detail, the frame F includes a pair of longitudinally extending frame bars 10 which extend on each side of the front end of the vehicle V (FIGS. 1 and 3). The upper or inner end of each of the frame bars 10 is pivotally mounted to the vehicle V by a retaining pivot pin 11 of any suitable construction which extends through the bar 10 and a mounting bracket 12 secured to the vehicle V. The frame bars 10 are interconnected forwardly of the vehicle V by means of support plates 14 which are welded to or are otherwise secured on the bars 10. The support plates 14 have a connecting pin or axle 15 extending therebetween which is welded or otherwise secured to the plates 14 to thereby hold the two side bars 10 in fixed relationship with respect to each other so that they can move up and down together. A power means such as a hydraulic cylinder 20 is positioned between the pin or rod 15 and the scoop S in any conventional manner. Preferably, the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder 20 is pivotally connected to the axle 15 by means of an eye 21 so that the cylinder 20 is adapted to pivot with respect to the axle or pin 15. The usual hydraulic piston is mounted within the cylinder 20 and it has the piston rod 22 extending from the cylinder 20 for pivotal connection at 23 to brackets 24 on the scoop S. Suitable fluid presure lines (not shown) to the cylinder 20 for introducing fluid under pressure to control the movement of the piston within the cylinder 20 are of course provided and are conventional.

The frame F includes, in one form of the invention, a truss formed by interconnected truss members 25 and 26 for each of the bars 10'. The truss member 25 is Welded or otherwise secured at its upper end to the bar 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The point of intersection between the truss members 25 and 26 is preferably provided with a pivotal connection 27 to a hydraulic cylinder 28 or other suitable power means. The hydraulic cylinder 28 has a piston rod 29 extending therefrom with the usual piston (not shown) within the cylinder 28. Also, it will be understood that suitable fluid pressure lines are provided for introducing fluid pressure into and from the cylinder 28 in the known manner. The rearward end of the cylinder 28 is provided with a pivotal mounting 30 to the vehicle V. The upper end of the truss member 26 is connected with the pivot pin 11 to the mounting bracket 12 on the vehicle V. Therefore, when the cylinder 28 is operated to move the piston rod 29 back and forth, as will be more evident hereinafter, the entire frame F is moved about the pivot pin 11.

.In the preferred form of the invention, a pair of gripping assemblies G are mounted on the front end of the frame F for cooperation with the scoop S, as will be more fully explained, for picking up and otherwise handling a log, railroad tie or other elongate object T. One of the gripping assemblies G is illustrated in FIG. 6 in its preferred form. As illustrated therein, the gripping assembly G has a gripping arm 35 which has a plurality of holes 35a therein, the purpose of which will be explained. The gripping arm 35 has a gripping head or projection 36 at its forward end. Such gripping head 36 has a lower downwardly and rearwardly projection 36a which has a pointed end 36b. The inner surface 360 of the projection 36a is preferably substantially perpendicular to the gripping arm 35. The gripping head 36 also has an upwardly extending part 36d which is a continuation of the projection 36a. The upper extension 36d may be omitted, but it is preferably provided for strength in construction and also for a counterweight outwardly of the lower projection 36a which is actually in gripping engagement with the object T.

It will be appreciated that one of the gripping assemblies or members G is mounted on each side of the scoop S. The gripping assemblies or members G are pivotally connected to the frame bars or members 10 by pivot pins or bolts 40 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which extend through openings 35a. The plurality of openings 35a are provided for adjus'tably locating the gripping member or assembly G to accommodate different sizes of objects T, as will be more evident hereinafter.

The gripping assemblies G are adapted to be pivoted about their pivot pins 49 from a retracted or inactive position (solid lines in FIG. 1) to a forward or active position (dotted lines in FIG. 1). When the gripping assemblies G are in the retracted or inactive position, they rest upon stop elements 45 which are welded or otherwise secured to the frame bars or members 10.

The scoop S, when used in conjunction with the gripping assemblies G serves as a back-up member, or a support for one side of the object T which is picked up by the apparatus A of this invention. The scoop S is of a conventional construction and is normally used for scooping dirt or similar material in the manner of a shovel, as is well known. The scoop S includes a curved back wall or section 50 and side plates 51 welded or otherwis secured thereto. The front end of the scoop S is indicated at 52 and it is open for receiving the dirt or other material which is scooped up by the scoop S in the normal use. The lower portion of the rear curved wall 5t of the scoop S is provided with mounting brackets 53 which are welded or otherwise secured to the wall 50 for receiving a suitable pivot support on the frame members 10. For purposes of illustration, it is shown in FIG. 3 that the pivot pins 40 extend through the members 14 and into the brackets 53 for the pivotal mounting of the scoop S on the frame F, but it will be appreciated that any other suitable pivotal mounting for the scoop S on the frame F may be provided. The forward lower portion of the scoop S has a tapered platform or finger section 55 which is adapted to extend below the object T to support same. Also, it is preferable to provide one or more stop members 69 and 61 on each side of the scoop S for each of the assemblies G. Such stop members 60 and 61 limit the forward extent of the pivotal movement of the assemblies G and position them so that the projections 36a extend below the lower surface of the scoop S. Such position of the assemblies G facilitates the sliding of the gripping heads 36 upwardly with the forward inclined surfaces 366 thereof in contact with the object T, as will be more fully explained. The brackets 60 and 61 are preferably L-shaped. Although the brackets 61 are desirable to stabilize the arms 35, they may be omitted, in which case, only the brackets 69 would be utilized.

In the operation or use of the apparatus A of this invention, the gripping assemblies or members G are first moved manually from their inactive position (solid lines in FIG. 1) to their forward or active position (dotted lines in FIG. 1). It should be noted that when the gripping assemblies G are in their retracted or inactive position, the scoop S is fully available for normal usage. As will be well understood, the scoop S is normally used for scooping dirt or similar material from the ground B. The particular frame F and the means for manipulating the scoop S may of course vary within the scope of this invention since it is intended that the present invention be used with conventional scoop apparatus. The form of the scoop apparatus illustrated in the drawings is merely exemplary of one type of such apparatus which may be used in the apparatus of this invention.

In any event, after the gripping members or assemblies G are swung forwardly to the active position, then the power means such as the hydraulic system 28 is operated to lower the entire frame F to bring the scoop S down into contact with the ground B. When the scoop, S is brought down towards the ground B, the lower projection 36a of the gripping head 36 engages the ground B prior to the time that the scoop S engages the ground B. This forces the gripping assemblies G upwardly so that the lower pointed end 36b of each of the gripping assemblies G rides on th ground B when the scoop S is down substantially in contact therewith. Assuming that a log, railroad tie or other similar object T is to be picked up with the apparatus A of this invention, the scoop S is moved forwardly by moving the vehicle V forwardly on its wheel or wheels 8% with any suitable engine or powermeans. The forward downwardly and rearwardly inclined surface 36a of each of the gripping members G first engage the elongate object T. For the most efficient use of the apparatus, the object T is approached so that it lies substantially perpendicular to the path of movement of the vehicle V.

When the vehicle V approaches the railroad tie T or other similar elongate object in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, both of the gripping assemblies G ride up together on the object T. As the gripping head 36 is advancing over the top of the object T on each of the assemblies G, the finger section 55 of the scoop S is forced underneath the object T. As such forward movement of the scoop S continues, the members G continue to move forwardly over the object T until they reach the solid line position of FIG. 2. At that time, the inner end 36;- of-each of the gripping heads 36reaches a point beyond the forward surface or side of the object T and therefore the gripping members G fall by gravity downwardly to position the inner gripping surfaces 360 in contact with the outside surface of the object T as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. The object T is thus confined and held between the gripping heads 36 and the scoop S. Although the object T preferably is positioned so that its rearward side is in contact with the forward edges of the sides 51 of the scoop S as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to hold the log or other object T rearwardly of the gripping heads 36 by merely supporting them on the support fingers 55. The gripping heads 36 prevent the log from rolling off of the fingers 55, even though the log or other object T may not be prevented from shifting to some extent between the scoop S and the gripping heads 36.

After the gripping assemblies G have reached the gripping position (dotted line position of FIG. 2), the

' object T may be picked up and moved to any suitable location. The raising or picking up of the object T is accomplished by operating the power means or hydraulic cylinder 28 to raise the entire frame F upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 4. During such lifting of the frame F, the hydraulic power means or cylinder 29 is not moved but remains in the same position as when the object T is picked up initially as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the object T remains securely confined and held between the gripping assemblies or members G and the scoop S when the object T is lifted to the position of FIG. 4. The vehicle V is then moved in any known manner for moving the object T to the desired area or location.

When the vehicle V has reached the point at which it is desired-to deposit the object T, the vehicle motion is stopped. Then, the power means or hydraulic system 20 is operated to force the piston rod 22 thereof forwardly from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5. The frame F preferably remains in its upper or raised traveling position. As the piston rod 22 moves forwardly, it causes the scoop S to pivot about the pivot pins 40, and the gripping assemblies G follow along with the pivoting of the scoop S during the initial pivoting movement. Since the gripping assemblies or members G are free to move they tend to assume a substantially vertical position (FIG. 5) due to the force of gravity acting thereon. Therefore, when the scoop S is moved by the movement of the piston rod 22 so that the finger section 55 moves away from the gripping assemblies G to open the space between the scoop S and the ends 360, the object T is released and it drops by gravity to the ground B. Actually, the object T normally drops away from its confined position between the scoop S and the gripping heads 36 before the gripping assemblies or members G reach the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 5, since the movement of the support section 55 of the scoop S downwardly tends to remove the support from the object T and to release same from the gripping heads 36. In any event, the space between the scoop S and the gripping head 36 is sufliciently enlarged so that the object T forces its way out and drops to the ground B as explained.

The apparatus A may then be returned to the initial traveling position shown in FIG. 1 wherein the gripping assemblies or members G are in the dotted line position of FIG. 1. The return of the scoop S and the gripping assemblies G to the position of FIG. 1 is accomplished by returning the piston rod 22 inwardly into the cylinder 20 in the known manner. The stops 60 and 61 of course engage the arms 35 of the gripping assemblies G after the stop members 60 and 61 reach a substantially vertical position in their movement counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 1. The gripping assemblies G are thus lifted up by the stop 60 and the stop 61 as the scoop S is rotated or pivoted back to its raised position. With the apparatus in the position shown in FIG. 1, other objects such as the railroad ties, logs or the like may be picked up, or the gripping assemblies G may be manually moved back to the retracted position on the stops 45 so that the scoop S may be used for its normal purposes.

As previously noted, the holes 35a in the arm 35 of each of the gripping assemblies G make it possible to adjust the distance between the scoop S and the gripping heads 36. With the pivot pin 40 set in one of the openings 35a, the distance between the end 360 of the gripping head 36 and the outer or forward edge of the scoop S is of course fixed, but there is some variation in the size of the log or other object T which may be handled in that particular setting of the gripping assembly G. Thus, if the object T is sufiiciently large so that the gripping heads 36 cannot extend over to the outer side of the object T as illustrated in FIG. 4, the pointed lower end 36b of each of the assemblies G still may be able to contact and dig into the object T sufliciently to hold the object T upon the scoop S even though the gripping assemblies G are slightly raised from the position shown in FIG. 4. If the object T has such a large diameter or width that it cannot be held by the gripping heads 36 with a particular one of the holes 35a in use, the pivot pins 40 are removed and each of the arms 35 are moved forwardly to the next opening 35a and the pins 40 are reinserted. The size of the objects which may be handled with the apparatus A of this invention therefore may vary widely, depending upon the particular hole 35a in use.

It will be appreciated that although the invention has been described herein with a particular frame construction and a particular scoop construction, the invention is not limited thereto, since a conventional scoop apparatus may be employed in conjuntion with the assemblies G if the scoop apparatus is capable of functioning as described herein.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A pick-up apparatus, comprising a scoop having a portion thereof engageable with the ground in use, a gripping arm, pivot means attaching said gripping arm to said scoop for pivotal movement relative thereto, said gripping arm having a gripping element thereon spaced forwardly of said scoop when picking up an object and being adapted to pivot about said pivot means for receiving and confining an object between said scoop and said gripping element, and said gripping element having means disposed forwardly of said scoop when picking up an object for engaging the object to cause the gripping element to ride upwardly and pass over the object to the forward portion of the object while said portion of said scoop is in engagement with the ground for thereby automatically confining the forward and rear surfaces of the object between the gripping element and the scoop.

2. An attachment for a power-operated scoop for enabling the scoop to pick up logs, railroad ties and similar objects, comprising a gripping arm adapted to be pivotally mounted at the pivot point of the scoop, a gripping head on said gripping arm for engagement with the object to be picked up to confine and hold such object between the gripping head and the scoop, and said gripping head being disposed forwardly of the scoop when picking up an object and having means therewith for raising said gripping arm and said gripping head by engagement with the object to be picked up for thereby moving said gripping head forwardly of the object to confine same between said head and the scoop.

3. A pick-up apparatus comprising:

(a) a scoop having side walls with forward edges thereon to serve as back-up surfaces,

(15) said scoop having support fingers on the lower portion thereof and extending longitudinally and forwardly of the scoop so as to engage the ground as the scoop is moved forwardly,

(c) a gripping arm,

(d) pivot means attaching said gripping arm to said scoop for pivotal movement relative thereto,

(2) said gripping arm having a gripping element thereon spaced forwardly of said back-up surfaces when picking up an object and being adapted to pivot about said pivot means for receiving and confining an object between said back-up surfaces and said gripping element,

(f) and said gripping element having means disposed forwardly of said forward edges of said scoop for engaging the object to cause the gripping element to ride upwardly and pass over the object to the forward portion of the object as the support fingers pass under the object for thereby automatically confining the forward and rear surfaces of the object between the gripping element and said forward edges while also supporting the object on said support fingers 4. A pick-up apparatus comprising:

(a) a scoop having side walls with forward edges thereon to serve as back-up surfaces,

(b) said support having support fingers on the lower portion thereof and extending longitudinally and forwardly of the scoop so as to engage the ground as the scoop is moved forwardly,

(c) a gripping arm disposed entirely externally and alongside each side of the scoop,

(d) pivot means attaching said gripping arm to said scoop for pivotal movement relative thereto,

(e) said gripping arm having a gripping element thereon spaced forwardly of said back-up surfaces when picking up an object and being adapted to pivot about said pivot means for receiving and confining an object between said back-up surfaces and said gripping element,

(f) and said gripping element having means disposed forwardly of said forward edges of said scoop for engaging the object to cause the gripping element to ride upwardly and pass over the object to the forward portion of the object as the support fingers pass under the object for thereby automatically confining the forward and rear surfaces of the object between the gripping element and said forward edges while also supporting the object on said support fingers.

5. A pick-up apparatus comprising:

(a) aframe,

(b) a scoop having a rear scoop wall and side walls with forward edges thereon to serve as back-up surfaces,

(c) said scoop having support fingers on the lower portion thereof and extending longitudinally and forwardly of the scoop so as to engage the ground as the scoop is moved forwardly,

(d) pivot means attaching said scoop to said frame,

(e) a gripper arm adapted to be connected to said frame and disposed entirely externally alongside each of said walls of said scoop,

(f) pivot means attaching said gripper arms to said frame to pivot said gripper arms rearwardly of said pivot means to a retracted position behind the scoop and to an operative position forwardly of said scoop and constituting the sole connecting means connecting said gripper arms to said frame,

(g) said gripping arm having a gripping element thereon spaced forwardly of said back-up surfaces when picking up an object and being adapted to pivot about said pivot means for receiving and confining an object between said back-up surfaces and said gripping element,

(h) and said gripping element having means disposed forwardly of said forward edges of said scoop for engaging the object to cause the gripping element to ride upwardly and pass over the object to the forward portion of the object as the support fingers pass under the object for thereby automatically confining the forward and rear surfaces of the object between the gripping element and said forward edges while also supporting the object on said support fingers.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 940,207 Snyder Nov. 16, 1909 2,418,251 Drott Apr. 1, 1947 2,501,243 Snyder Mar. 21, 1950 2,506,471 Siegal May 2, 1950 2,539,231 Davis Jan. 23, 1951 2,623,769 Kegley Dec. 30, 1952 2,705,082 Heimsoth Mar. 29, 1955 2,799,412 Pilch July 16, 1957 

1. A PICK-UP APPARATUS, COMPRISING A SCOOP HAVING A PORTION THEREOF ENGAGEABLE WITH THE GROUND IN USE, A GRIPPING ARM, PIVOT MEANS ATTACHING SAID GRIPPING ARM TO SAID SCOOP FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO, SAID GRIPPING ARM HAVING A GRIPPING ELEMENT THEREON SPACED FORWARDLY OF SAID SCOOP WHEN PICKING UP AN OBJECT AND BEING ADAPTED TO PIVOT ABOUT SAID PIVOT MEANS FOR RECEIVING AND CONFINING AN OBJECT BETWEEN SAID SCOOP AND SAID GRIPPING ELEMENT, AND SAID GRIPPING ELEMENT HAVING MEANS DISPOSED FORWARDLY OF SAID SCOOP WHEN PICKING UP AN OBJECT FOR ENGAGING THE OBJECT TO CAUSE THE GRIPPING ELEMENT TO RIDE UPWARDLY AND PASS OVER THE OBJECT TO THE FORWARD PORTION OF THE OBJECT WHILE SAID PORTION OF SAID SCOOP IS IN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GROUND FOR THEREBY AUTOMATICALLY CONFINING THE FORWARD AND REAR SURFACES OF THE OBJECT BETWEEN THE GRIPPING ELEMENT AND THE SCOOP. 